Have you ever wondered if your life really matters or how you fit into the grand scheme of things? If so, you are not alone—I have also wondered these things. Down through time, great thinkers have described our human existence in terms of philosophy, religion, science, and even mathematics. Many have provided commentary on our existence, both artistically and poetically, and have offered grand speculation about our consigned place within the universe. Numerous books describe the doctrines of religion and philosophical approaches to life, and there is a sea of self-help books that describe everything from planning for financial security to health and beauty tips. With so many books on the market that provide sound advice about improving our lives, why do so many of us continue to be overwhelmed with life’s struggles and deal with feelings of inadequacy? Why do so many people seem to lack purpose and direction in life?

As a college educator, I have counseled and advised people for years who were struggling to find their direction in life, and I have often wondered what makes one person more confident and more self-directed than another person. How can one person find his way so easily and another person become hopelessly lost? And from where does one’s sense of self-confidence and purpose come? For years, I pondered these questions until the thought occurred to me that when people need directions, they usually look for a map to guide them. It would thus make sense that people who are searching for direction in life would benefit from a map of humanity to guide them. It then occurred to me that if a map to understand humanity existed, it must exist within all of us and it would probably require all of us if we were to ever fully discern it.

Fortunately, we don’t need the whole map to find our way in life. All you and I need is a point of reference and perhaps some idea of scale. With this crucial revelation in mind, I sat down at my computer to write. I was compelled by my personal belief that there is something quite special inside every one of us, something of great and intrinsic value. Stated simply and honestly, I believe in you—in your remarkable ability to direct your life and to influence the lives of others around you. I believe that you make a difference in the world and that your life matters: what you think, say, and do is important. I recognize that there is an empowering sense of purpose that comes from the realization that you are an integral part of something much larger than yourself. Yes, I believe that there is something very special within you and you may not have yet even realized it. So when I sat down at my computer, I wrote this book for you, to help you discover the true power and importance of your life.

I hope you will find it to be a useful guide, and if it is beneficial to you, please tell someone else you know about it.